MUMBAI: These days using social media is a vital part of an actor's work. The brands that support them are frequently chosen based on the size of their fan base across several channels. Casting directors have also started to consider it when approaching actors in recent years; several actors have openly discussed how they have been rejected for roles in favor of influencers who have more social media followers than they have.

Also read: Jaideep Ahlawat: From dreams of the army to OTT superstardom

And now, in an interview with the popular news portal, Jaideep Ahlawat shares that he has also been the subject of similar criticism for not using these sites frequently. The actor has made a name for himself over the years with roles supported by authors and says he was requested to step up his social media game before filming Raazi. Still, he cut them off.

He said, “I’ve been told to pay money to increase my social media following. This had happened during Raazi. It really shocked me. When I asked them what kind of fruit they would bear, they just reiterated that it would drive up my follower count. And when I kept prodding them, they were also confused about how that would benefit my career. I didn’t want to increase my social media mileage by doing these things.”

Jaideep shares that he has never felt the need to succumb to the pressures of the film industry such as attending film parties and encouraging gossip being written about him. But that has never stopped people from showering him with free advice to gain commercial stardom. “Thank god, gossips have never been written about me. I was also told to buy a bigger car. And as for my social media, if the number of followers has to increase someday, it will happen on its own,” he states.

“So many people feel the need to put out which gym they go to and what they had for lunch. Those who feel like it is necessary to get spotted and captured by the paparazzi at gyms and airports, it’s their choice and it works for them. I too wanted to succumb to it out of anger,” says the Jaane Jaan actor.

Then he says his team has regularly told him to get on the bandwagon and report on photographers. And although he ultimately changed his mind.

“Sometimes, my team motivates me to do it too and I tell them that I’ll start doing it from the next day. I tell them, ‘Kal se bula lena. Main jahan bhi jaaunga, wahan bula lena.’ But that tomorrow never comes (laughs). You’ve to think of so many things like what to wear if you’re calling the paparazzi,” reveals Jaideep.

He will soon be seen in the Zee5 series The Broken News 2 co-starring Sonali Bendre and Shriya Pilgaonkar.

Also read: Jaideep Ahlawat Preps for an Action-Packed 2024 with 3 Big Projects in Line

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Credit- News 18